DAILY DOSE: TMS Goes From Skepticism to Success; Kazakhstan's Methane Disaster Is An Environmental Crisis.

scientificinquirer

February 16

TMS: FROM CONTROVERSY TO CURE, A PIONEERING JOURNEY UNFOLDS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a treatment initially met with skepticism due to its explosive beginnings in the laboratory, has evolved into a safe and effective therapy for major depressive disorder and other conditions. Mark S. George, a TMS pioneer, recalls the early experiments' challenges, including equipment failures. However, decades of innovation and procedural refinement have proven TMS's efficacy, with remission rates nearing 80% in trials using brain imaging to guide stimulation. Approved by the US FDA for treatment-resistant depression in 2008, TMS has also received clearance for obsessive-compulsive disorder and aiding tobacco cessation. Despite its success, researchers believe TMS and other noninvasive brain-stimulation methods, like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), have not reached their full potential. These treatments are undergoing continuous study to understand their biological mechanisms better and improve their application, aiming to make them more personalized and effective. The journey from TMS's controversial inception to its current status highlights the ongoing quest to harness noninvasive brain stimulation's therapeutic possibilities. (PNAS)

KAZAKHSTAN'S MEGA METHANE LEAK: A CATASTROPHE UNFOLDS.

In Kazakhstan, a catastrophic methane leak from a well owned by Buzachi Neft became one of the worst recorded, releasing 127,000 tonnes of methane over six months. This environmental disaster began with a blowout and fire in June 2023, not fully controlled until December. Methane, significantly more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, contributed to an impact equivalent to the annual emissions from over 717,000 petrol cars. Despite Buzachi Neft's denial of a substantial leak, satellite analysis confirmed the massive release, marking it potentially as the second worst man-made methane emission after the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. International scrutiny from various institutions verified the high methane concentrations, contradicting the company's claims of negligible gas release. Kazakhstan, having faced criticism for multiple "super-emitter" events, pledged at the COP28 summit to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, highlighting the ongoing challenge of managing methane leaks in natural gas production. (BBC)

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NOVEL RICE-BEEF HYBRID: SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR FOOD SECURITY.

Researchers have developed a novel method of producing a rice-beef hybrid by using rice as a scaffold to grow beef muscle and fat cells, creating an edible product with a unique, nutty flavor that can be prepared like regular rice. This innovative approach, detailed in a study published in Matter, offers a slightly higher fat and protein content than standard rice, potentially serving as a nutritionally enhanced food option. The technique involves coating rice grains with fish gelatin and microbial transglutaminase to facilitate cell attachment, followed by seeding with bovine cells and culturing in a growth medium. Aimed at providing a sustainable protein source, this rice-beef combo could benefit food-insecure communities and reduce the environmental impact of traditional cattle farming. The cost of producing this hybrid rice is competitive with regular rice, suggesting its potential for commercial viability. Researchers are exploring ways to increase its nutritional value, particularly its fat content, to further enhance its benefits. (Nature)

TRAGIC LOSS: SECOND NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE CALF FOUND DEAD.

A second North Atlantic right whale calf, critically endangered and facing extinction, was found dead off the coast of Georgia, marking another tragic loss for the species. Identified as the calf of right whale No. 4340, also known as Pilgrim, the young whale's carcass was discovered about 20 miles off Tybee Island. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlighted the ongoing threat to these whales from vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements. With fewer than 360 individuals left, including less than 70 reproductively active females, the species' struggle for survival is exacerbated by human activities in their natural habitats. The recent fatalities, including another juvenile found last month near Martha's Vineyard and one with injuries from a boat propeller, underscore the urgent need for effective conservation measures. NOAA has declared an "ongoing unusual mortality event" since 2017, with 38 whales lost during this period. The deaths highlight the critical need to address human-related threats to ensure the species' survival. (New York Times)

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AMAZON'S WORST DROUGHT UNVEILS PERILS AMID CLIMATE CRISIS.

In 2023, the Amazon experienced its worst drought in modern history, revealing historical artifacts and stressing the region's ecosystems and communities. Forest scientist Jochen Schöngart and hydrologist Ayan Fleischmann documented the extreme conditions, including record low river levels and high temperatures that harmed wildlife and disrupted local livelihoods. The drought, compounded by heatwaves and unusual weather events like sandstorms, exposed the vulnerability of the Amazon's biodiversity and the millions of people dependent on its resources. Research indicates these hydrological extremes are intensifying due to climate change, with dry seasons becoming drier and wet seasons wetter, leading to significant environmental and societal challenges. The situation in Manaus and Tefé, where communities face unprecedented fishing and farming difficulties, underscores the urgent need for adaptation strategies. The changing Amazon not only threatens local ecosystems and cultures but could also have far-reaching impacts on global climate and South American weather patterns, highlighting the critical importance of addressing climate change. (Science)

JAPAN'S SLIM LANDER MAKES HISTORIC LUNAR PRECISION LANDING.

The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), an unmanned lunar spacecraft by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), achieved a historic precision landing on the moon, marking Japan's first lunar mission. Despite an initial setback with its solar panels and a brief loss of communication, SLIM successfully reactivated and transmitted data from the analysis of 10 lunar rocks, exceeding the original goal of studying just one rock. This achievement is significant for understanding the moon's origin, potentially supporting the giant-impact hypothesis by comparing the mineral compositions of lunar and Earth rocks. The spacecraft, which hibernates during the lunar night, landed near the Shioli crater, achieving a much more precise landing than previous missions. SLIM's success adds Japan to the list of countries that have reached the moon and opens new avenues for exploring lunar history and geology. (NPR)

Thanks for reading. Let's be careful out there.

WORDS: The Biology Guy.

IMAGE CREDIT: Kayrros, Planet Labs.